READING: Genesis 16-18; Mark 6
Chapter 6 of Mark’s Gospel echoes with the emotions of Jesus. For example, he was “amazed” at the unbelief of the people of Nazareth; in fact, “He was not able to do a miracle there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them” (Mark 6:5-6). To this point in this Gospel, the people had often been amazed at Jesus—but in this case, it was Jesus who marveled that they no longer marveled at Him. He did, though, continue lovingly to teach in the surrounding villages.
Later, “he saw a large crowd and had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd” (Mark 6:34). They were wandering through life with no leader and without any eternal sense of purpose. The people had continually sought Jesus—apparently even making it difficult for Jesus and His disciples to rest—but Jesus nevertheless was moved by their need. He would feed them spiritually with His word, and He would feed them physically with multiplied loaves and fishes.
I’m so grateful today that Jesus is compassionate toward wandering, misguided sheep. At the same time, though, I can’t help but wonder if He ever marvels at my unbelief . . . .
PRAYER: “Help me, God, to believe You and trust You at all times.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Genesis 19-20; Psalm 1; Mark 7
